Leadership, Communication, Learning and Parks with Donald Forgione

Find My Catalyst Podcast

• On Leadership: "We all want our employees and our loved ones to do the right things, but often we don't get a chance to see that. We are very aware when they screw up, but the day-to-day—boy, I hope they make the right decision today."
• On Vulnerability in Leadership: "As a leader, if you show vulnerability, it shows weakness, which is absolutely B.S., in my opinion. Knowing your employees is the absolute best practice you can do."
• On Learning from Nature: "The natural environment and the work environment are so similar. The ecosystem thrives because of disaster, just like businesses can grow stronger after challenges."

Donald Forgione shares insights from his extensive career as a park ranger, emphasizing the importance of leadership, vulnerability, and understanding the environment—both natural and professional. His stories highlight how observing and learning from nature can inform better business practices and stronger, more resilient teams.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Through Example:

   • Employees often learn more from what you do than what you say.
   • Demonstrating good practices, like safety, encourages others to follow.
   • Leadership is about being visible and consistent in your actions.

2. The Power of Vulnerability:

   • Sharing personal challenges can build stronger connections.
   • Vulnerability is not a weakness but a tool for authentic leadership.
   • Oversharing can burden others; know when and what to share.

3. Understanding and Observing Your Environment:

   • The work environment changes daily, much like natural ecosystems.
   • Observing small changes can help you anticipate larger shifts.
   • Leadership requires being attuned to the needs of your team, like a ranger to their park.

4. Designing for Success:

   • Proper design, whether in parks or business, is crucial for smooth operations.
   • Capacity planning ensures that resources and experiences are not overstretched.
   • Good design enhances customer satisfaction and safety.

5. Adapting to Change:

   • Nature's response to disasters shows resilience—businesses can learn from this.
   • Challenges in the workplace should be seen as opportunities for growth.
   • Leaders must be flexible, adapting rules and policies to fit real-world scenarios.

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